Carving on the Cartecay #1: - The Setting

A few weeks back my family had the opportunity to go to my brother’s cabin on the Cartecay River up in north Georgia for a four day weekend. It is a beautiful place to visit and the log cabin has all of the amenities, is very nice, and has ample room for a large family to live in comfort. There is a screened in porch that stretches all the way across the back of the cabin and a stone covered patio on the bottom floor under the porch. The porch and patio have ample furnishings. On the porch there is a fireplace, a grill, a large dining table with chairs, several rocking chairs, a television, a swing, and even a double bed. So the whole family can relax in total comfort together on the back porch while listening to the river and watching the birds in the forest that surrounds the cabin. The river is only 150 ft from the back porch and there is a gazebo just next to the river.

The river is a perfect place to relax, swim, fish, or go rafting down the river. There is plenty of wildlife including, turkey, deer, and even black bears and there are several quaint mountain towns within an easy driving distance with interesting shops to visit and some really nice restaurants. The north Georgia mountains are mostly part of the Chattahoochee National Forest which abounds with trout streams, waterfalls, hiking trails, and game management and hunting areas and there are also several large lakes. There is plenty to see and do within a short drive from their cabin. However, whenever we go to the cabin we mostly just stay put and enjoy the river and the cabin.

I told my family that I would not be going unless I took my chip carving gear so that I could spend a whole lot of time down by the river carving. It’s the perfect spot for it and is also a great place to commune with your inner self and with nature.

To get to the river you walk across a quaint wooden bridge that crosses over a small low spot in the woods that is covered with beautiful ferns.

Above is a picture of the cabin as seen from the other side of the bridge. There are ferns on either side of the bridge. The stone patio is on the bottom and the full length porch is just above.

Above is a picture as seen from the stone patio looking across the bridge toward the river and the gazebo and just past the bridge and to the left is a nice set up for playing horse shoes.

There is a very nice sitting area near the river with a built in fire pit. It’s very relaxing and is just the right spot for family conversations and roasting hot dogs or marsh mellows.

Along the river bank are ferns, rhododendron, trees, and wild flowers. It is thinned out just the right amount and all of the twisted tree trunks give the place a quaint atmosphere.

Above is another sitting area and fire pit.

There are plenty of good spots to swim just below the gazebo and lots of good rocks to sit on or fish from. You can also casually wade up and down the river with a fly rod or rod and reel. There are some nice rainbow trout in the river and they are delicious after a long day of activities.

This is a view from inside the gazebo and looking down on a good swimming hole. Many of us like to ride a float over the little rapids over and over; another good way to enjoy the water is to just sit in a chair in the river and let the cold water flow over you; and others like to tie a float to the trees with a rope and and just let the water flow under you. It’s all very relaxing no matter which you do. You can see a cup of coffee and my three main chip carving knives on the railing in the gazebo. This spot is one of two of my favorite carving spots.

Every so often some people on canoes, kayaks, or rafts pass by the gazebo going down river. However, it’s not crowded at all and it is enjoyable to see them coming by. Everyone on the river is very nice and respectful. Just to the left is the steps that go down to the river. Where the chair is at the top of the steps is a landing and it is the second of my two favorite carving places.

This is a pretty good combination. Women talking and men fishing. It’s a very nice spot for both.

This is George, my little carving buddy. He don’t ever have too much to say and neither do I. I guess that’s why we tolerate each other.

Don’t mind him, that’s just a helluvawreck in the river with a nice cold Bud Light in his hand.

On the next episode of Carving on the Cartecay we’ll watch all of the kids launch their rafts and head down the river and we’ll also get into a little carving so please follow along.

-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau

As I sit here typing my computer, it does my heart good to see someone like you enjoying such a beautiful place! I hope they don’t complain if you leave chips from your carving on the deck! What a great getaway! So glad you took some pictures to share with us all! I love seeing this!

Enjoy yourself and your time and your creativity. I will be looking forward to the next installment. :)

Guys and Gals, thanks for all of the wonderful comments. However, please know that this is not my place but is my brother’s. He’s kind enough to let us use it from time to time and best of all it’s only an hour away from home.

With much respect to my brother and his wife I can tell you that they subcontracted this cabin themselves and bought the lot right. The contractors were mostly small companies that we had come to know with our moulding business. My sister in law is very good at finding nice furniture bargains. Overall they did a great job and I am grateful to be able to use it. I wouldn’t change anything about the place.

My family really enjoys it when we go and we all have the best of time with each other. It’s always very good for my family and I’m so grateful.

-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau

Looks like a perfect spot for a chip carving class, Charles!I told my family that I would not be going unless I took my chip carving gear so that I could spend a whole lot of time down by the river carving.You got your priorities in order, doncha!